Step by Stage! ~ I Can't Believe I'm the Leader of a Dance Circle! ~...

Episode 4: "My First Leaderly Job"

Listening Session of Expectations and Anxieties

Thursday evening. I was busy in the circle room of the student center preparing for a big event. The "listening session," which had been postponed since last week, was finally going to be held today.

　I set the laptop on the desk and connected external speakers. While testing the acoustics and adjusting the volume (......), Sho Ohtani peeked out from behind me.
"Hey, you've got all your gear set up today, and the Wi-Fi is working?"
I think it's ....... I just tested it and it played fine."
　I was relieved when Sho would say with gusto, "Yes! I was somewhat relieved to see Sho's gut-punch. Last time, the listening session itself was canceled due to a series of problems, so I want to make sure that today's event will be a success.

Koharu, can I help you with something?"
　Next to enter the circle room was Mayu Suzuki. Today she is wearing dazzling white sneakers and a sporty skirt. She has a number of colorful hairpins in her hair.
Thanks. Then, can you move the speakers a little further apart?　I want to test the sound balance between left and right."

　When I say, Mayu moves lightly. Well, it's very helpful to have support like this. When I first became a leader, I would just move left and right, but recently I think I am getting better at saying, "This is what I want you to do.

　Later, Makoto Sato and Shizuku Miyata also arrive, quickly increasing the number of people in the room. Makoto, in his usual jersey, shouts "Let's do it! while Shizuku, in his usual jersey, just greeted them coolly and immediately started looking through the materials.

Well, now that we have all the members here, we should get started."
　I gather everyone around my desk and look back at the notes in my hand.
We'll start today by listening to a sample of the songs and comparing them to the ones recommended by the members, and then we'll decide on the finalists. Then we'll discuss how many songs we should have--a medley or one or two songs.

　When he announced his intention, they all braced themselves and said, "Oh, wow! Makoto, for example, responded with a cheerful, athletic "Yes! I couldn't help but laugh.

Recommendation song battle breaks out?

　The listening session was supposed to go smoothly. But, after all, this was a group of individualistic members. Every time a song was played in turn, opinions flew back and forth, causing a great deal of confusion.

　The first song, Sho's recommendation, is an up-tempo, old-time disco-style song. Although the beat was strong and danceable, Makoto and Mayu commented, "Doesn't it sound too modern? The audience's reaction was subtle. Sho enthusiastically replied, "No, on the contrary, it's fresh! but Shizuku took a shot at him, saying, "It doesn't really appeal to me either. ...... Sho's shoulders slumped, but he blurted out, "I'm sure it will be a lot of fun. ......

　The second song Mayu recommended was a hit song by a popular K-pop idol. The rhythm was catchy and would look good with a costume, but Makoto looked doubtful, saying, "Isn't it hard to remember the English lyrics mixed in?" Makoto looked doubtful. Shizuku simply replied, "It's not like we're going to sing it, so it's not a problem. Mayu says, "But I'm sure I'll look cute in this outfit! Mayu says, "But if I wear this outfit, I'll look so cute! Hmmm, another costume advance. ......

　The third song, recommended by Shizuku, is the latest Western dance number. The cool, sophisticated beat is pleasant, but Sho says, "The lyrics are a little subdued or lack excitement. Makoto also commented, "I'm not a fan of gunpowder. Makoto also commented, "I want to dance as hard as I can. I want to dance hard. It might be hard to get excited with just a cool song like this.

　The fourth song, Makoto's recommendation, is an upper tune in the Japanese rock style. The chorus, with its echoing voice, seemed to get the crowd going, but Shizuku looked reluctant, "It's got a good groove, but I wonder if it goes well with dancing." Mayu said, "The costumes look too difficult. Mayu is at a loss, saying, "The costumes look difficult to wear. ......

　And I, Koharu, recommended a pop dance song by a famous Japanese artist. It has hip-hop elements and seems to be easy to use as a medley filler, but the only response I got from the audience was, "It's not so bad. Well, it was hard to find any outstanding support.

In the end, they all have their advantages and disadvantages."
　Sho was puzzled. Makoto was also puzzled, "It's not like it's not decisive. Makoto was puzzled.

　Just as I was getting impatient, saying, "What if this whole thing gets rejected? ......, Rika-senpai wandered into the circle room.
"Oh, it's so exciting. How are you feeling?"
　He seems to be on his way home from job hunting, dressed in a suit and carrying materials under his arm. He may be a little tired, but he is as reliable as ever as he smiles at us.
Well, I've tried listening to different songs, but none of them seem to be decisive. ......
　When I wimp out, Makoto says, "No, I have a decision to make!　I want it to rock and groove!" I insisted, and Shizuku cut back, "If it's going to be a medley, we need more cool elements too. Mayu pleaded, "It's hard to throw away the cuteness! Mayu complained, "It's hard to leave out the cuteness!　How about disco? Mayu pleads, "It's hard to throw away the cuteness!

I see.
　Rika-senpai chuckled and said, "Since we're at it, why don't you mix multiple elements?" She advised, "Why don't you mix multiple elements?
"Multiple elements ...... I mean, is it still a medley?"
Yes. If you have so many different kinds of songs, why don't you mix cool, cute, disco, rock, and other styles?　Well, it's hard to connect them, but that's what allows everyone's individuality to come out, isn't it?"

　To this suggestion, Makoto said, "Oh, yes!　If we can dance in various ways, it will be fun! Shizuku was also positive, saying, "That would certainly keep the audience entertained. Mayu muttered, "We can't use the ......4 pattern for the costumes, but if we change the color and accessories, we have a chance ......," and Sho said, "We did it!　We survived the disco! Sho was gutsy.

　With relief and relief, I suggested to everyone, "Well, let's go with the format of connecting multiple songs a little bit at a time.
But be prepared for a lot more practice and rearranging, okay?"
　They all looked at each other and grinned. "Well, we won't know until we try it, but ...... could be interesting!" The air was filled with a sense of "Well, we won't know until we try it. Excitement slowly spread through my heart.

Bringing ideas to life

　It was almost certain that we would go with a "multi-song medley," and I had even more work to do as the leader. How should we plan the composition of the songs?　Who would come up with the choreography?　What would be the theme of the costumes?　What about formation and standing positions?　I feel like my head is going to explode just thinking about it.

　Then I thought, "First, let's assign a choreographer to each song. It would be impossible for one person to do everything, and each member's individuality could be utilized.
Mayu was the one who came up with the choreography for the K-pop style parts. The music is cheerful, and Mayu was very excited about the costume idea.
Yeah, got it!　I got it!"
　Mayu smiles at me. At this moment, I realize that I am doing a "leader-like job.

　I then asked Makoto, having strongly recommended the Japanese rock part, "Do you want to make this part Makoto?" Makoto said, "Yes! Makoto responded with a loud "Yes! Makoto's voice was as loud as ever. Her voice was as loud as ever, but her smile was encouraging.
I'm going to give it all I've got!　Everyone, follow me!
Shizuku chuckles, "Yes, yes, make sure it's choreographed so I can keep up ......."

　For the disco part, Sho was puzzled, "What, I have to think about the choreography too? I told him, "Don't worry about that, Shizuku and Mayu will support you. It is true that Sho's main role as a choreographer is still unknown to me, but I have a feeling that he will come up with some interesting ideas, such as acrobatics.
　And Shizuku is in charge of the cool Western music part. She is already counting in her head and doing simulations in the mirror. If she can handle the precision of the choreography, the finished product is sure to be stylish.
"So what about ...... Koharu?"
　Shizuku looks at me unexpectedly.
Huh?"
Koharu, do you have a part to play?　You're the leader, so it's not enough just to look around the whole place.
"Well, that's ...... yeah, maybe so, but ......"
　I was a bit confused. I like to dance myself, but I think I'll have my hands full putting together everyone's suggestions. ......
　Then Rika-senpai interjects.
Koharu has the role of overseeing the whole project. But I think it would be good if you could think of arrangements or stage directions that are unique to Koharu.　For example, how to show the connection between songs.
Oh, ......, that "connection" is certainly important in the medley.
　As a leader, Koharu understands the overall flow of the event and adds his own direction to it. This is what I call "giving shape to an idea," an admirable job. I couldn't help but smile.
Okay, I'll do my best to come up with a plan for the "connection" performance!

Tiny Success Stories

　The next day. I had a notepad and notebook on my phone, and in the spare time I had, I was working on ideas for the "connection" of the four songs, not just cutting them up and connecting them, but creating a sense of unity in the dance and lighting movements.

It would be cool if, at the moment the song changes, the formation on stage changes all at once and the lighting also changes quickly. We could give a signal to indicate this at ......, for example, the next song would start when one person raises their hand. ......"
　As I envisioned in my mind, more and more interesting images came to me. I was so focused that I thought to myself, "I have such an imagination.

　Then, in the evening, I make a proposal to the members in the circle room.
I'm imagining changing all the lights and formations at once like this: ......?"
　The notebook has a zany illustration, arrows, and the timing of the song written on it. Makoto exclaimed happily, "Oh, that's flammable! Mayu agreed, saying, "It's true, since the costumes don't change, it's possible to change the atmosphere with the lighting. Sho asked, "Can we use acrobatics during the song changes? Sho was enthusiastic. Shizuku also agreed, saying, "I think it would be good to have a bit of variety. Sho was also positive, but calmly.

　I patted my chest in relief. I never thought I would be so happy to see people accepting my ideas. As a leader, I felt that my "first work as a leader" had taken some shape.

Don't forget the comedy.

　But, of course, it was not smooth sailing. Although they came up with the idea, when they put it into practice, problems kept surfacing, such as "the physical exertion is greater than expected," or "you don't know what the lighting is without consulting the staff.

　One day at practice, at the moment the song changes, Makoto makes a turn while running as fast as he can and crashes into Sho with too much momentum. The two of them fell down in a heap, and everyone around them was in an uproar.
"Yikes, you're suddenly over here!"
Makoto must have rammed it in!"
　As they argue with each other, Shizuku interrupts with a dumbfounded look on his face, "Yes, yes, that's enough. Mayu rolls with laughter and teases, "It was an accident before it was staged!" I tease, and I too hold my head in my hands, "It's just a slap in the face ....... But it was a relief that everyone was able to laugh without injury.

　Furthermore, when I suggested switching the lighting, we had no choice but to simply turn the studio lights off and on during rehearsals, which made me nervous that someone might step out of line and fall in the dark.
　But I feel that these kinds of laughable troubles are also the reason for the team to get along well with each other. After the event is over, everyone talks about how great it was, and the team becomes more united in a strange way. after the event, it is a strange way to strengthen the team's solidarity.

Response as a leader

　Every practice session was a constant stream of small problems. But I was beginning to feel a definite response. Members began to ask me for advice, "Let's try Koharu's idea," or "What do you think about this part? I was beginning to feel a definite positive response.

Koharu is a real note-taker, so it helps that he keeps track of everything."
　One day, Sho blurted out something like that.
What's a note-taker? ......
You know, in the beginning, you just listened to everyone's opinions and cringed. But now you write it all down, and later you can summarize the information you need. That will be useful when it comes time to discuss things.
　To Sho's words, Makoto also said, "Indeed. Koharu puts it all together for me, so I can rely on her when I forget my practice policy or something. I'm not going to remember ...... in the first place," and Shizuku scolded her.

　I laughed bitterly, but deep down inside, I was gradually happy. At first I thought, "I can't be a leader! But now I am finding ways to be useful in my own way. This is proof that everyone recognizes me.

The burden of the meeting, and one step ahead

　And on the weekend, Rika-senpai and I visited the office of the student center. The reason was to submit an application for lighting and sound for the festival stage.

I'm going to talk to the stage staff, and it looks like today is the only chance I'm going to get. Make sure you tell them what you need Koharu to do."
　Pushed by my senpai, I went to the staff counter with a sense of excitement. There, the members of the festival committee were waiting for me.
I'd like to use the same lighting and sound system for the stage. We would like to put in a dark change and change the lighting color all at once when the songs change. ...... Is this actually possible?"
　The staff member scratched his head and responded, "Well, complete darkness takes a few seconds to switch the lights, but I'll help you as much as I can .......
And you can use a smoke machine or something, right?　I'd like to make a little smoke at the climax if possible. ......"
There are some, but you have to make sure you know where they are before you go in there, because they can react to fire alarms in certain places."
I see. Okay, I'll check it out."

　I'm new to negotiations and there is a lot I don't know. But if I don't work on this part of the project, the stage production will not be realized. It's a lot of responsibility, but it's also very exciting. It was a moment that made me realize, "Leadership is tough, but it can be fun.

　When I left the office after the meeting, Rika-senpai smiled at me as she applauded.
Koharu, that's good. You listen to what you need to listen to. Compared to the beginning, you've become more like a leader.
'No, no, I'm not quite there yet,...... but I think I'm getting used to it.'
　As I answered, I thought back to the day my senior asked me, "Would you like to be a leader?" I remember the day when I was asked by my senpai, "Would you like to be a leader? Back then, I always thought, "I can't do it. But now I think, "I'll give it a try," and "I might be able to do it. Even if I am still in the middle of my journey, I feel that I am definitely moving forward.

epilogue

　Thus, our "medley plan" began to move steadily.

• Each of us thought a little bit about the choreography for the song part we were in charge of,
• Koharu herself will be developing the "connection" direction while listening to the opinions of the members.
• Meetings with the stage crew have been held and the general framework of the lighting and sound plan is about to be finalized.

　Of course, there will be more slapstick in the future. In fact, Makoto is likely to stay up all night because she is not satisfied with her choreography, and Shizuku is likely to put pressure on the members by trying to match the count too strictly. Mayu might be wondering, "What should I do with my costume......? Mayu was wondering, "What should I do with my costume? Sho is likely to say selfishly, "I want more acrobatics! Sho is likely to say selfishly, "I want to add more acrobatics!
　But I am not so afraid anymore. If we just can't get it together, we can talk about it together. That's what I'm here for.

I've been praised by my seniors for becoming more like a leader. ...... I need to work harder."

　The festival is just a little over two months away. In this long but short time, we were approaching the completion of the stage one step at a time, with a solid response in our hearts.